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The Asian American community has been under attack recently as evident from the rise in hate crimes against them nationally and here in Chicago, to the recent murders of Asian-American women in Atlanta last week. The targeting of their communities, and in particular Asian-American women is not new. Asian-Americans have been subjugated for some time in the U.S., including through the Page Act of 1875, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Japanese Internment Camps of World War II. We at Association House categorically reject anti-Asian racism based in hate. The behaviors we reject are steeped in the same type of hatred that has stoked anti-Black and anti-immigrant sentiments in this country, and they have no place at Association House or in the communities we serve. To the contrary, I have been encouraged by the inclusive and welcoming environment of the House to all communities. I am further encouraged by the work of our Association House High School’s Anti-Racism Committee which has put issues like these front and center, and which is serving as a model for our organization-wide initiatives on Anti-Racism to come. For those interested in taking immediate action in support of our AAPI communities, there will be vigils this Friday at Horner Park and in Chinatown, and there is a proposed bill in the state legislature that you could personally support that would require the teaching of Asian-American history in Illinois schools to highlight the diverse experiences and contributions of Asian-Americans. For today and for always, we stand together in rejecting hate and in supporting our AAPI communities. Best, Juan Carlos Linares President and CEO

In Honor of May being National Foster Care Month, we would love to introduce you to some of the amazing Foster Parents we work with. In September 2019, Jack and Andy became foster parents in Association House and welcomed two young children into their family. To celebrate #FosterCareMonth we asked them a to share a bit about their experience. What has been your most rewarding experience as a foster parent? Seeing how one year in a loving, caring, and stable home can have such a positive impact and change, in the children’s lives. What has been your biggest challenge? Dealing with the insurance and finding a provider that accepts the children’s insurance provided through the state. Multiple times we have had to find new providers because of changes in the state insurance. What would you say to someone considering becoming a foster parent? It is going to be a rollercoaster, but it is worth it. Get used to accepting the unexpected and remember that you are important as well. Take care of yourself when you need to. If you ask Association House what resources are available to you, they will often go over and beyond to help you and your family out. Dealing with the insurance and finding a provider that accepts the children’s insurance provided through the state. Multiple times we have had to find new providers because of changes in the state insurance. What would you say to someone considering becoming a foster parent? It is going to be a rollercoaster, but it is worth it. Get used to accepting the unexpected and remember that you are important as well. Take care of yourself when you need to. If you ask Association House what resources are available to you, they will often go over and beyond to help you and your family out. April became a mom for the first time as a foster parent with Association House. She’s been at this just a short while, but she brings her whole heart to her family. In celebration of #FosterCareMonth, we asked her to share a bit about her experience. What inspired you to become a foster parent? What inspired me to be a foster parent was the desire to be a mother to someone who really needs that mother figure. Even though I know it could be temporary, I still feel like it is worth it to be that nurturing parent for however much time that child needs it. Helping that person become who he will become is a privilege for me. What has been your most rewarding experience as a foster parent? In my case, becoming a foster mom was becoming a mom for the first time and that had made this significant for me. I’ve always wanted to be a mom and foster parenting has given me that opportunity. What has been your biggest challenge? The biggest challenge for me in fostering has been trying to not only co- parent but also figure out my parenting style in general because before I walked into this, I was a single person with no children. I’ve learned a lot. What would you say to someone considering becoming a foster parent? I thought about doing this for a really long time before I actually did it, and my one regret is not doing it sooner. I think fostering is hard but it’s very rewarding as well. You get to be a part of somebody’s story for however long they need you and that is a gift! You definitely have to be flexible and let go of your preconceived notions of what it’s going to look like but once you do that and you make it your goal to serve and love that child and his family you will be the better for it. If you have love to give why not give it?

Kristy is the Supervisor of our Visions Substance Use Program. Question: What attracted you to work at Association House? Answer: In my search for non-profits in Chicago, I came across Association House's website. Seeing the long history and everything from case management, substance use, and mental health services, to a high school for youth until 21, two residential buildings, and more, I knew I should apply. I have always known I wanted to work with people in the criminal justice system that struggle with substance use. This program specifically works on a harm reduction approach. We are open and willing to meet each participant who comes in "where they are at" with no judgment. Q: What is your favorite part of working at AHC: A: I have been working here for five years and feel like Association House is one big family. Everyone here has the same goal: helping people in the community. It's a big building with multiple programs and everyone knows each other and works together to reach a common goal. Fun fact: My sister and I are 11 months apart and are the same age for five days in June.

Pursuing a college degree can be very expensive for students. Association House High School created the Harriet Sadauskas Educational Scholarship to assist students with their tuition and books. The $5,000 scholarship was awarded to Ashley Roman and Alejandra Ramirez, making these inspiring graduates the inaugural recipients of the scholarship. Ashley is a Youth Scholars, Skills, Service Program (YS3) graduate who never lets anything stop her. “Ashley takes her schooling seriously and never hesitates to take on challenges that support her academic growth,” praised YS3 Program Clinician, Noura Ebrahim. Alejandra, an English Language Learner (ELL) and proud mom to a two-year-old son, also stood out to staff. “I have not had a student complete as much work as she did in a limited amount of time. I am extremely proud of her work and look forward to seeing what she will accomplish in the future,” wrote Philip Pilger, Diverse Learning Mentor, in his recommendation. Both Alejandra and Ashley have faced many different hurdles, but their determination and desire for a better future for themselves and their families continues to be their biggest motivator while going through college at Wilbur Wright College. We sat down with them to learn more about their Association House High School experience and how this scholarship will impact their lives. What does it mean for you to get this scholarship? Alejandra: It means hope because I always say that I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but I’m going to do it. I have that hope that I will do it. It’s like when I signed up for college my boyfriend told me, “Ok just sign up for that and God will help us,” but I didn’t know how we would pay for it or pay for my books. He told me that and God is helping us right now. I don’t know how to express how I feel – there are so many emotions I’m feeling right now, I’m feeling happy. I honestly can’t believe this – it’s hard to express myself right now. Ashley: For me, this means that I would get the help to get to where I want to be, get the things I need. I want to have a successful future, so first I want to get my college paid off. Then, I want to get a house and get my mother things too. I just want to give her back everything that she gave me, and she never had, you know? What made you want to pursue college after high school? Alejandra: I had too many jobs that I didn’t like – I didn’t feel happy working at the grocery store. There was lots of discrimination, lower payments, and long hours working without having a lunch. I realized that I don’t want that for myself, and I don’t want that for my child. I want to give Liam the best, and I have to be an example for him. I want to work in a field that I love. I want to love my job. Ashley: I want to be successful and make a difference in the world. It’s what motivated me stay focused on my future. I want to become a therapist and study at a higher level to become a psychologist. How have your classes been so far at Wright? Alejandra: It’s like a normal class, they don’t expect us to know everything. I understand everything they say, and I like the classes. If I need help, then I can reach out to the teachers, and they have all the information for us. I feel so happy because I can’t believe that I’m really in college. I can’t believe it. I’m taking two English classes, one psychology class, and one math class – and its statistics class not really math. That’s why I like it because they use our personal lives to connect it to the class so we can understand better. I like all my classes, and I want to take more. Ashley: They’ve been good, I just need to pay attention. I’m taking a computer and English class right now and later on I’ll start [studying] criminal justice and music. My favorite class [right now] is computer because it’s easy, but English because I [understand the material] from the text and I can apply it to world, which is very valuable. How do you think Association House prepared you for college? Alejandra: For the short time that I was here I feel like I was [well] prepared by working with Mr. P. His first language is English, so he taught me a lot of words in English, how to write in English, and how to use commas. I’m not an expert right now, but I learned a lot [which helped me] express myself better in English and write. I’m still learning more in college, so I know I’m going to get better. Association House High School gave me a lot of resources and that’s why I felt prepared to go to college. Ashley: Association House prepared me to not let [the] little things that don’t matter stop me. To keep going no matter what because at the end of the day it’s gonna be worth it and if nobody is happy then I should be [happy] for myself because there are people who do care about me, and it doesn’t have to be the people I want.

Joseph began services with Association House in 2018. At the time, he was living in a nursing home due to mental illness. His ultimate goal was to gain the skills needed to live independently in an apartment of his own. After two years spent at Dulcinea, one of Association House’s supervised housing locations, Joseph achieved his goal. He continues to receive services through multiple programs and is a shining example to others. His goal now: to spread more joy and celebrate his new independence. Joseph, in his custom carnival worker shirt, poses with staff member Maggie. This summer, Joseph tackled another monumental goal: hosting carnivals for participants in programs across Association House. “I like watching game shows like the ‘The Price is Right’ pretty often, and then I realized that I could create mini games from the show for us to play and the rest is history,” Joseph explained. Imagine this scene, from one of the carnivals: “Dame un chiste,” the game leader called out—One joke (chiste in Spanish) for the chance to play a game. Immediately, hands flew into the air. Participants jumped up from their chairs hoping to be chosen. Joke after joke was shared as participants worked their way through Plinko, Hi Lo, ½ Off, and more. Smiles, cheers, and camaraderie were abundant. And after a year spent without gathering, the carnival felt like a light at the end of a tunnel. With every carnival, whether for Life Skills Education, Psycho-Social Rehabilitation group, or Dulcinea, Joseph’s kindness, humor, and creativity were on full display. For each, he selected games specifically for the skill levels of those attending, made those games, painted welcome banners, and used his own savings to buy real prizes to give away. “It’s so cool to see Joseph be a role model to his peers,” Maggie Hettman explained with tears of pride in her eyes. Maggie has worked with Joseph since the beginning, and, like all of us, couldn’t be more proud of the progress he’s made. Life Skills Education participants laugh their way through the water balloon toss at one of Joseph’s carnivals. About the Programs The programs that Joseph was a part of offer skill-building, community-building, and case management services for adults with serious mental illness or co-occurring psychiatric disorders and addictions. We believe that every person should be able to live their life in the least restrictive setting possible, and we’re committed to supporting individuals with mental illness and disabilities as they reach their goals.

Alicia is a talented Bilingual therapist who earned her Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Latinx Mental Health from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Alicia practices therapy to empower people to create and mold their sanctuary space and tell their stories. To meet the rest of the therapy team, visit our Counseling page. What initially drew you to joining the Association House family? I was originally drawn to Association House as I was applying to my graduate level internship. I was glad to know that Humboldt Park and neighboring communities were being provided community mental health services, and absolutely knew Association House was my #1 choice because I wanted to work in my community and for my community. What is your favorite part of your experience with the Association House? ​I truly enjoy the family connection we have here at Association House. When passing by the hallways I always encounter welcoming hello’s and continue to learn more each day. I appreciate that Association House provides so many services under one roof. My team is a family within a family, and we work cohesively. Who or What influenced your desire to want to be a clinician counselor? Working as a High School Mentor and an attendance counselor within alternative high school communities is what solidified my choice in becoming a clinician. While working I became more aware of the lack of services and the systemic approaches needed. Mental health issues were extremely apparent through the student narratives. These very narratives started to connect personal experiences of my own within my family and communities. These realities challenged me to ask the many ‘who what where when why and how’ questions, but most importantly my role in these realities and the healing work and reflections I need to continuously take part in. What has been your most fulfilling experience as a clinician counselor? My most fulfilling moments have been learning of the courageous and vulnerable moments participants share with us. Whether it’s through showing up in person or virtual, expressing their empowering narratives. Their presence is the very reason Association House is rooted in.

As the holidays roll in for many of us, our work and personal schedules quickly begin to overwhelm us. It is important for us to recognize when we need a break and time to reset. Thankfully, our team at the House was able to participate in a transformative experience with Aisha Robinson, who understands the importance of our work at the House. Before becoming a Board Certified Dance Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, she used to work as a supervisor at the House. Since then, she has founded the Bella Consulting Group, LLC, which focuses on wellness, diversity, equity, inclusion, and training. Not only has she founded a fantastic company, but she has also co-authored a chapter (Trauma-Informed Dance/Movement Therapy: Implications for Healing-Centered Education, Practice, and Research) in the book Dance/Movement Therapy for Trauma Survivors, which was released back in March of 2020. Needless to say, after all this time, we couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments and thankful to have her back at the House. After a brief introduction, Aisha assisted and led us through an exercise. We began by setting our intentions. Aisha ensured that everybody felt safe and comfortable as we proceeded through the exercise. With a kind voice and excellent command of the audience, she created an environment based on respect for one another and ourselves. We were instructed to get in touch with what we were truly feeling, and honor whatever that may be, and give in. The first movement we engaged in, as simple as it may be, was breathing. We took the time to focus on our breaths and the emotions they evoked with each and every respiration. Next, we concentrated on the way our bodies felt when we took the time to focus on the simplicity of breathing in and breathing out. From this, we were able to calm ourselves and become one with the current moment and prepare ourselves to go further into the exercise. After this, we took time to check in, as we did with a majority of our movements, to make sure we were still comfortable. This exercise helped us become more aware of our stress but simultaneously removed it from the moment. For many of us, stress comes from almost every aspect of our lives. We all have a million different things on our plate, and it’s tough to deal with them. As Aisha explained, “stress impacts every system of the body.” She explained to us that a lot of the pain we deal with could be attributed to the stress of our everyday lives. From headaches, muscle tension, increased heart rate, all can be from stress. To help us continue to destress, Aisha explained to us some more methods of self-care that we can practice. We moved our bodies to the music and felt our stress melt from our bodies, feeling lighter by the minute. We talked about creating healthy lifestyle habits to feed our bodies. We identified the importance of giving and receiving love by connecting with the ones we love and also setting boundaries, which can be challenging. Our spiritual and psychological well-being is just as important. By identifying safe places to reflect and practice gratitude, we can make a substantial positive impact on our day-to-day lives. Music and movement played a huge role in all of this, as it’s something a lot of us in general use to help express our emotions. With Aisha’s help, we were able to listen to the music and move our bodies. For most of us, being in the office and all, it was just sitting in our desk chairs. Still, knowing that nobody was there to judge and being able to move freely and truly feel the music was a liberating experience. For a little while, the weight and stress of the day were gone, and we were all able to enjoy this mental break. Staff all around were eager to share what they had felt during these experiences. Some were overwhelmed with peace and relaxation, some with a million other emotions. As our session ended, the chat flooded with comments from staff members sharing how they felt about the experience, “Felt like a treat for myself!” and “It was freeing.” Everybody recognized how vital this time together was and how they would hopefully be able to continue using these practices in their daily lives, all thanks to our dear friend, Aisha.

Marc is our new Social Studies teacher at Association House High School. He joined our high school staff this year and was drawn to being an educator because his experience as a camp counselor introduced him to the role of being a social and emotional support for young people. What originally drew you to joining the Association House family? I graduated from my teacher’s education program in 2020 at the height of the Covid – 19 pandemic. After taking a year away from teaching to help support my family I was looking for a school that would align with my professional goals and personal passions without much luck. Association House must have been one of a dozen applications I sent out that week but when I had my first opportunity to visit the building I knew it was different than any school I had known before. There is a culture of social services support coming from the agency that you can feel in the classrooms and I knew I wouldn’t find that anywhere else. What is your favorite part of your experience with Association House High School? Most schools talk a big game about supporting the whole student but no other institution can claim to offer what AHHS does. Education is an important social service, but being a part of AHC ensures that it is not the ONLY one available to our most at-risk youth. I love how our school has small class sizes and prioritizes teaching community, growth, and courage over routine and compliance. I truly feel like what I do day in and day out serves all of my students and not just a small group of college-bound high achievers. Who or what influenced your desire to want to be a teacher/educator? I have a strong sense of community service coming from a military family but I think I always wanted to be a doctor, or a teacher, just someone who changes something outside of the armed forces. I had great teachers throughout my life who taught me their passion for social studies and civic engagement, but It was my time as a camp counselor that introduced me to roles being social and emotional support for young people. I really enjoy working at AHHS because it does not force me to choose between the two. What has been your most fulfilling experience as a teacher? Since I’m such a new teacher I am constantly making new and fulfilling experiences. Seeing students succeed and get a good grade for a quarter is always awesome, don’t get me wrong, but the most fulfilling moments are when we can really see the educational healing we are doing here. When a new student with fresh educational trauma starts the week with their head on the desk but ends the week feeling comfortable speaking and contributing to the classroom community, now that really makes me smile.

Michael is one of our new staff members part of the Workforce program at the house. He returned to Association House as our new Career Navigator after having graduated from our financial careers training program six years ago. He decided to come back because, after five and a half years, he believed it was time to pass on his banking knowledge. What are your thoughts on this new role that you have? Can you describe to me what it is? So, I am a career navigator and what that entails is that for a part of the recruitment process, I go out and find quality candidates for our program. Whether at town hall meetings or the unemployment office, I’m in charge of that recruitment process. Another aspect of my job is to encourage our students while they’re going through the program – whether it be Monday Motivations, etc. – to find out why their motivation may have waned a little bit. In the beginning, everything is like ‘OK I’m ready to do this! You know, I’m ready to start’ an adult higher education program. But something happens that third week and it’s my job to kind of pump that motivation back into them. Then make sure that they finish our program strongly. And then I’ll be instructing also. With me being an instructor is to find out those things that make this participant special and introduce them to a new professional career. One that they can gain a lot of things from versus working at a traditional grocery store. In introducing them to a professional world and keeping them engaged I’m just enhancing their lives on a bigger level. When you say that BankWork$ gave you more knowledge and more education about working in an industry that allows you to know banking, what’s the value for someone who doesn’t have knowledge about what to do with their money? Pretty much I’ve never been a good saver prior to BankWork$. In my early 30s when I graduated from the program and now with a family, it taught me to put money to the side or get my credit up. And working inside a bank you get that head-on knowledge, and you see it in real life every day. From Ms. Joe or Mr. Joe and their mistakes, you get to help them and so you’re also applying those lessons to your life. When you’re financially educated your whole world changes. That’s the magic about BankWork$: giving people real-world life experience. Why did you connect with us in the first place? What was it about your understanding of us, or this program, or the environment that made you feel comfortable trusting this partnership? It all started with me trusting myself first. Before I came to AHC I was a store manager for ‘Ross Dress for Less.’ I wanted to see myself as a professional. I’ve always had that vision of myself and having a professional career. In my mind, I know that I’m good at talking to people, and I have had cash handling experience. Those two together…that’s banking. I didn’t know if I was strong enough yet to go into a bank head-on and knew I might need some training. So, I Googled it: ‘where can I get banking training?’ And, hey, BankWork$ was a free, 8-week program. And when you graduate you get a job. OK, let me check it out! I enrolled in the program and saw the process. I asked, can I do this? With the guidance of our instructor and the staff – being so hands on – that level of trust was just natural. I think the program and AHC are designed to know how to work with people with issues. They know what to say and how to navigate you through so that they can be successful. For me? To potentially get a job afterward, too. So, for myself, it began with trusting me first and then naturally getting my confidence and in banking. For others? Knowing that, ‘wow, you know this is a pretty easy thing to do’. Dealing with money is not hard and a lot of our participants think about that first. But it’s our job to put them at ease and let them know that they got this. How did you feel when you graduated and were then hired by U.S. Bank? How did it feel to leave AHC and go into the professional setting that you were looking for? I started with U.S. Bank with someone without the training. I could see the difference in the training. Usually, in banking, you sit at the computer and then you go at your own pace and when you’re done, they put you out on the floor. With me, I had hands-on experience, so things like bundling and strapping I already knew. I was pretty much ready to go. I was just so much more ready and capable of getting the job started. I started out as a universal banker. In a year I was selling at the top of my bank. And then I became a senior banker two years after that. So that program allowed me to navigate and move up fast. Why now? Why us? Why did you return to AHC from your professional career? Well, five-and-a-half years is a long time, and with the bank knowledge that I have it’s time for me to pass it on. Already going through the program I’m more than fit to navigate our participants through their gray area. To let them know, ‘you’re going to be a professional’. With benefits, paid holidays. Things that you can’t get from a Kroger’s or a Food 4 Less – that will enhance their lives full on. That’s why I came back. Because I just felt like I’ve been through it, and I had been where they are. Some of my participants now reach out and ask, “what was this like for you?” I’m able to give them that real life experience and they adopt that understanding – that I’m not in this alone.

Jose Vega works as a counselor in our Visions program, which offers life-changing education, counseling and support to persons experiencing alcohol and substance use problems and their families. What initially drew you to joining the Association House family? Well, When I applied for this job in 2010, I was looking for a better job offering better opportunities to grow up professionally, as a person and as a member of the community I represent (Hispanic community) and is when AHC pop out for me. What is your favorite part of your experience with the Association House? Being able to help participants/people in general who shared needs, struggles, and necessities the same as me. Who or What influenced your desire to want to be a clinician counselor? I'm a person who has been in recovery since 2003. Around 2004-2005 I decided to go back to school getting my Associates Degree first in liberal arts with concentration in substance abuse. This is where I discovered that it was a good opportunity for me to pursue my career as a counselor/plus taking advantage of me being in recovery. In 2009, I obtained my CADC, 2010 arrived to AHC, 2011 went back to school for my bachelor's degree in Social Work practicing principles of recovery since then. What has been your most fulfilling experience as a clinician counselor? Every day is a challenge, but I feel so proud of myself and my work when I see the participants getting things done, changing their lifestyle, bringing their family back, getting their driver license or going back to school either forced by the legal system or voluntarily the same as I did one day in the past. This is what AHC means for me and my family as well.

Inmate #081486. To the penal system, inmates are too often just numbers in a list. At Association House, we know them as humans who have stories, families, and a life outside the prison’s walls. Following a recent visit to Stateville to offer re-entry resources to inmates approaching release our Visions Substance Use Program Supervisor received a three-page letter from an inmate. The inmate shared that he has been in and out of prison since he was 15 years old and now, he is 35 years old. He has struggled with addiction to cocaine and heroin. When he went into prison four years ago, he was told he would get help for his addiction and be able to earn his GED. However, during his four years in the system, he hasn’t received the promised help. To Kristy he wrote, “when I told you all my story you looked at me like I was a human, your facial expression never changed when I admitted the bad stuff I did in the past. Then when I went to write my name down, I put my IDOC number next to it and you said something that I have never heard before which was, I was not defined by that number, and you wanted me to write my actual name.” Reading this letter, we knew we had to catch up with Kristy about her experience at the Stateville Reentry Summit and how it relates to her work here at Association House. Prior to the pandemic, our team would visit Stateville twice a year. When Kristy and teammate Adriana Rivera went in October, it was their first visit in two years. Interview What does it mean to you to visit these inmates? It gives people inside the prison hope that someone will help them. We learn that people who leave prison and do not receive help within the first two weeks are more susceptible to going back to old behaviors. Those early weeks are the most crucial time to provide the resources they need to recover, especially with the opioid epidemic happening. Recently incarcerated people are 40 times more likely to die from an opioid overdose the first 2 weeks post-release. By us visiting, they now know our organization’s name when they leave the system. Even if they don’t get paroled out to Chicago or near us, they have one connection made that can help them find the resources in whatever town they go home to. I have seen people call me after being released and use our resources to survive. But everything must start from inside the system to really help the inmates. How do you think we can change our perceptions about the people within these systems? I believe that we should go into every situation believing the best in people instead of the worst. When we go into the prisons the inmates ask us, what makes you want to help us and what makes you believe us? That is because there is this huge stigma around the criminal justice population. We can change society’s perceptions about people within the system by reminding everyone that they are human beings, and every person deserves to be given an opportunity no matter what mistakes they have made in their past. If you just take the time to listen to their stories a lot of times you will see someone who struggles with some sort of mental illness or substance use disorder who has never been offered help. If you look at what rehabilitation is being given to an inmate in relation to their struggles you will see they are not receiving any therapeutic services that they need. That means they are set up for failure the minute they walk out the door. If we can provide them with the services inside the system and prepare them for when they are about to leave, they at least have a fighting chance. Why aren’t the services they need being provided? A lot of the reason services are not being provided is because of the lack of knowledge. Too often you see or hear about an inmate with a drug problem going into prison without being detoxified correctly. We struggle as a society to see how these resources are so important not just physically but psychologically. Another huge barrier is funding and lack of staff. Prisons don’t always have staff on site who are equipped to handle people who struggle with mental illness or substance use. That is where agencies like ours come into play. We can go into these prisons for free and give our time and energy to help. The more communities and organizations see this being done, the more they may be willing to learn, understand, or help. What do you think separates us from the other tables? When you go into an all-men prison, I think Association House brings in a different perspective than others because we offer a wide range of services besides just visions. The last time we visited, an inmate we spoke to about our services mentioned that his significant other shared with him that their kid wasn’t doing well in school, and he heard about our high school program at the house. Our services were there for him and his family. Why is it important to you to improve this system? I am deeply passionate about improving the system. Through Association House I have met so many amazing participants who came from the criminal justice system. After listening to their stories and hearing about what they have gone through it just puts so many things into perspective. These individuals didn’t always choose this way of life. Addiction is often looked at by 3 risk factors: biological, psychological, and environmental. Sadly, criminal thinking behaviors are adapted in very similar ways. At times, the people who are being sent to prison are often people who were taught so by one of those 3 distinctions. One way I try and improve the system is by giving presentations about this at PHIMC. We need to change the system from within because otherwise, it will be a revolving door. 65% percent of the United States prison population has an active substance use disorder. Another 20% percent did not meet the official criteria for a substance use disorder but were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their crime. That’s why it’s important for these outside organizations to come into these correctional facilities because the work starts from within the system. Association House was not going to judge someone based on their past experiences. There’s a lot of work to do when it comes to our penal system. Proud of the work our visions program is doing here at the house to help inmates within the system.

Michelle is our Family Literacy Program Supervisor and is a part of Association House High School. She loves having the opportunity to be able to be an advocate for individuals who can’t and sometimes don’t know how to advocate for themselves. In honor of Black History Month, she shares what anti-racism and this month means to her. What is your favorite part of your experience with Association House? My favorite part of my experience with Association house is being a part of the work that is done for the students at Association house high school! It’s not just your typical Alternative school and I’m so grateful to be a part of such a positive impact. Our students are provided with so many resources that pushes them toward and keeps them on a path for a successful future. I love having the opportunity to be able to be an advocate for individuals who can’t and sometimes don’t know how to advocate for themselves. Also, I love how nice and genuine everyone is and always willing to help with whatever it is they can assist with; it’s like a big family! What does anti-racism or equity mean to you? Anti-racism means to me combating systemic racism, oppression, and any acts of unfair treatment toward those who are victims of prejudice and racial inequalities. Anti- racism is speaking up when you see a form of racism taking place whether it is happening to you or an absolute stranger; and taking steps toward making sure it happens less frequently. To understand anti-racism, you don’t have to be of the oppressed individuals; you should just be educated on the issues and ready to speak up and share your knowledge with the ignorant. Anti-racism also means to me recognizing your privileges and those who have a lack thereof. Is there a moment in Black history that particularly resonates with you? Yes, a moment in Black History that particular resonates with me is the Children’s Crusade also known as D-Day which took place on May 2, 1963! More than 1,000 African American students attempted to march into downtown Birmingham to put an end to segregation and were arrested, beaten, and hosed by police and the fire department; but they didn’t let that stop them and continued to come back for multiple days! This resonates with me so much because when we use the statement “children are the future,” it means more than we think. This is a representation of how fearless and strong children prove to be consistently and how much they need to be poured into and protected to reach their full potential! I love working with children at whatever capacity I can because they literally are so strong and resilient, and watching them grow and become who they want is very rewarding.